Household Chores in the UK: The Surprising Truth Behind Our Cleaning Habits
A recent Beko UK survey has revealed how Brits really feel about household chores, from the tasks we avoid most, to the ones we genuinely enjoy.
With responses from over 1,000 people nationwide, the findings shine a light on our cleaning habits and how we balance housework with busy lives.
The Nation’s Most Avoided Chore
The research confirmed that oven cleaning is the UK’s most dreaded household task, with more than 1 in 3 Brits (37%) admitting they avoid it whenever possible.
“Unlike washing up, a greasy, food-encrusted oven is easy to overlook - until it starts to smoke or release burnt odours during cooking,” explains Salah Sun, Head of Product Management at Beko UK.
To make life easier, Beko’s pyrolytic ovens clean themselves using high temperatures to burn away grease and grime, leaving only a small amount of ash to wipe away.
Other Chores We Dread
While oven cleaning tops the list, the survey revealed other unpopular tasks:
- Ironing - avoided by 17%
- Decluttering - avoided by 14%
- Bathroom cleaning - avoided by 8%
- Dusting - avoided by 7%
These findings highlight that repetitive jobs and those involving tough dirt are the ones Brits are most likely to put off.
Britain’s Favourite Household Chores
Not every household task is disliked. In fact, some are even enjoyed:
- Cooking - chosen by 27.9% as their favourite chore
- Vacuuming - 15.5%
- Decluttering - 14.4%
- Laundry - 11.6%
Cooking stands out as the nation’s most popular household task, offering not only practicality but also creativity and relaxation.
How Much Time Do We Spend on Chores Each Week?
The survey showed wide variation in the time spent on chores:
- 43% dedicate 1-3 hours per week
- 32% spend 4-6 hours weekly
- 10% less than an hour
- 5% more than 10 hours
At Beko, we believe the key is balance. By spreading tasks across the week and using the right appliances, it’s easier to keep on top of chores while still enjoying precious free time.
Are Household Chores Shared Fairly?
Chores can sometimes cause tension at home, and according to the survey:
- 42% believe chores are shared fairly
- 35% feel they take on more than their fair share
- 23% admitted to lying about completing a task
“A fair approach is to distribute tasks by encouraging each person to choose one they enjoy and one they’d rather avoid. Accountability and even a small reward system can help routines stick,” says Salah Sun.
Making Chores Easier with Technology
Smart home appliances can help ease the load. For example, with Beko’s HomeWhiz app, you can select the best wash cycle remotely, track energy and water usage, and receive personalised recommendations to make everyday chores simpler and more efficient.
Making Home Life Easier
From the oven (our least-loved task) to cooking (our favourite), this survey shows how varied our attitudes are towards household chores.
By sharing responsibilities fairly and embracing smart appliances, keeping a home clean and welcoming doesn’t have to feel like a burden.
The survey was conducted using Find Out Now and included interviews with 1,880 respondents. From this group, a nationally representative sample of 1,013 respondents was selected.